Toy Assembly With Blower And Color Changing Features

ABSTRACT

A toy assembly includes an air blower than can blow air and particles such as glitter. In one embodiment, the toy assembly includes a doll and an air blower that can blow air and glitter particles as well as change the color of the hair of the doll.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/374,816, filed Aug. 18, 2010, entitled “ToyAssembly with Blower and Color Changing Features,” Attorney Docket No.1389.0283P/16693P, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a toy assembly, and in particular, atoy assembly including an air blower than can blow air and particles,such as glitter. The present invention also relates to a toy assemblyincluding a doll and an air blower that can blow air and glitterparticles as well as change the color of the hair of the doll.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Some conventional dolls have hair that is thermochromic. The color ofthe doll's hair can be changed by the application of a cold object or awarm object to the hair. In one example, the application of heat throughthe contact of a warm object with thermochromic hair of the doll canresult in the doll's hair changing from a first color to a different,second color. The application of cold energy through the contact of acold object with the doll's hair can change the hair from the secondcolor back to the first color.

Some conventional toys are configured to blow air. Blowing air alone isrepetitive and lacks any creativity on the part of the child playingwith the blower.

However, such toys are not configured to blow air and particles that aredecorative, such as glitter. The ability of a blower to blow particlesin addition to air would facilitate the decoration of a doll or otherobject.

Therefore, there is a need for an air blower than can blow air andparticles, such as glitter. There is also a need for an air blower thatcan be used to change the color of a doll's hair as well as dispense airand particles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a toy assembly includes a doll and a blower that canbe used to blow air and/or particles, such as glitter particles, at thedoll. The doll may have a tacky surface or a gel or sticker can be addedto the doll to provide a tacky or adhesive surface to which theparticles can adhered. The tacky surface(s) on the doll can vary,thereby creating a different appearance for the doll when the glitterparticles are applied to the doll. In one implementation, the glitterparticles can be applied to the hair of the doll.

In one embodiment, the blower has multiple modes of operation. In onemode of operation, the blower can be used to blow air at the doll, suchas to “blow dry” the doll's hair. In another mode of operation, theblower can be used to dispense glitter particles as well as blow air.The dispensing or dispersing of the glitter particles can be controlledor metered to provide a desired amount of glitter from the blower. Inone implementation, the blower includes a bellows structure thatprovides periodic bursts of air that flow past a source of glitterparticles to carry glitter particles from the blower. The bellowsstructure is periodically compressed by an actuator to provide theactuations of the bellows needed for the air flow. In one embodiment,the glitter particles can be fed into a supply tube from a hopper. Inanother embodiment, the glitter particles falling into the supply tubecan be controlled by a valve-like structure.

In one embodiment, the blower can have different components attachedthereto that can be brought into engagement with the hair of a doll tochange the color of the portion of the hair of the doll that isthermochromic. In one arrangement, a cooling component can be attachedto the blower. In another arrangement, a heating component can beattached to the blower. The components can be filled with thecorresponding one of a cold or warm liquid, such as water, or a solid,such as ice cubes. The components can be brought into contact with thehair of the doll to change its color.

In one embodiment, the blower can change the color of the doll's hair aswell as blow air and/or glitter particles on the doll. This combinedfunctionality provides many different opportunities for the decoratingof and the playing with a doll by a child.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the various components of anembodiment of a toy assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a color changing apparatus of the toyassembly illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a blower of the toy assemblyillustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view of the blower illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of the blower illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the blower illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the inside of a nozzle portionof the blower illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the blower illustrated in FIG. 3 withits nozzle portion removed.

FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of the front end of the blowerillustrated in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of the blower illustrated in FIG. 3 withone of its housing portions removed.

FIG. 11 illustrates a side perspective view of a lever of the blowerillustrated in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 illustrates a close-up side view of some of the components ofthe blower illustrated in FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of the blower mechanism of the blowerillustrated in FIG. 10.

FIG. 14 illustrates a rear perspective view of some of the components ofthe blower illustrated in FIG. 10.

FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of the bellows of the blower illustratedin FIG. 14 with the actuator removed.

FIG. 16 illustrates a close-up side view of a cam disengaged from thebellows actuator of the blower illustrated in FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 illustrates a close-up side view of the cam engaged with thebellows actuator illustrated in FIG. 15.

FIG. 18 illustrates a close-up side view of a portion of the blowerhousing showing the particle supply components of the blower illustratedin FIG. 10.

FIG. 19 illustrates an exploded perspective view of some of the particlesupply components of the blower illustrated in FIG. 10.

FIG. 20 illustrates a top view of the hopper of the blower illustratedin FIG. 10.

FIG. 21 illustrates an exploded perspective view of some of thecomponents of the blower illustrated in FIG. 10.

FIG. 22 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a bloweraccording to the present invention.

FIG. 23 illustrates a side view of some of the components of themetering mechanism of the blower illustrated in FIG. 22 in a firstconfiguration.

FIG. 24 illustrates a side view of the components illustrated in FIG. 23in a second configuration.

FIG. 25 illustrates a side view of a pin of the metering mechanismillustrated in FIG. 23.

FIG. 26 illustrates a perspective view of various components of anotherembodiment of a toy assembly according to the invention.

FIG. 27 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a bloweraccording to the invention.

FIG. 28 illustrates a side view of a component for use with the blowerillustrated in FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 illustrates a front view of a plate for use with the blowerillustrated in FIG. 27.

FIG. 30 illustrates a side view of the plate illustrated in FIG. 29.

Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elementsthroughout this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is to be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,”“bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,”“lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer” and the like as may beused herein, merely describe points or portions of reference and do notlimit the present invention to any particular orientation orconfiguration. Further, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc.,merely identify one of a number of portions, components and/or points ofreference as disclosed herein, and do not limit the present invention toany particular configuration or orientation.

The terms “dispensing,” “dispersing,” “expelling,” “outputting,” and“distributing” may be used interchangeably herein to refer to how airand/or particles exit the housing of the blower. The terms “blower,”“blowing mechanism,” and “air flow generating mechanism” may be usedinterchangeably herein to refer to a mechanism that generates a flow ofair, whether continuous or intermittent.

Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a toy assembly according to thepresent invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, the toy assembly10 includes a doll 20 that has a body 22, a head 24, and hair 26 coupledto the head 24. In this embodiment, the hair 26 has thermochromicproperties, which enable a user to change the color of the hair 26 byapplying heat or a cold object to the hair 26. The arms and legs of thedoll 20 can be fixed or movable in different embodiments. The toyassembly 10 also includes a chair structure 30 that has a seat 32 inwhich the doll 20 can be placed.

In addition, the toy assembly 10 includes a color changing mechanism 40,which is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In this embodiment, the color changingmechanism 40 includes a handle 42 and extending portion 44 that areformed of plastic. Pivotally coupled to the handle 42 is a movable jaw50 that is mounted on protrusions 52 on opposite sides of the handle 42.The jaw 50 includes a lever 54 and a body portion having a receptacle 56that can be filled with a cold liquid or a hot liquid through an openingwith a removable plug 58 that can be inserted into the opening to sealthe receptacle 56. As shown in FIG. 2, the jaw 50 includes a metalliccontact surface 55 that is in communication with the liquid in thereceptacle 56 and that can conduct the warm or cold energy of the liquidto hair 26 of the doll 20 that is placed in the space 46 between the jaw50 and the extending portion 44. The child can slide the color changingmechanism 40 along the hair 26 of the doll 20 to change its color.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the toy assembly 10 includes a blower orblowing device 100, which is described in greater detail below. Theblower 100 is configured to blow air and particles, such as glitterparticles, when activated by the user. In this embodiment, the blower100 resembles a hair dryer.

Referring to FIGS. 3-6, front, rear, and opposite side views of theblower 100 are illustrated. As shown, the blower 100 includes a housing110 that is formed by two housing portions 112 and 114 (see FIG. 4) thatare coupled together using conventional fasteners such as screws. In oneembodiment, each of the housing portions 112 and 114 is approximatelyhalf of the housing 110. The housing portions 112 and 114 define theopposite sides or side portions 120 and 122, respectively, (see FIGS. 4and 5) of the housing 110. The housing 110 also has a front end 116 andan opposite, rear end 118 (see FIG. 3).

As shown in FIG. 3, the housing 110 has a handle portion 130 that has apair of switches 134 and 138 movably coupled thereto. Switch 134 is anactivation switch that is connected to an internal drive mechanism thatcauses air to be expelled or output from the housing 110. When a userpresses switch 134 inwardly, the drive is activated and an air flow fromthe blower 100 is generated. As described below, if the mode ofoperation of the blower 100 that distributes air and particles isselected, then both air and particles are dispensed when switch 134 isactivated.

Switch 138 is a mode switch that can be manipulated by a user to: (a)turn the blower 100 off; (b) operate the blower 100 in an air blowingmode; or (c) operate the blower 100 in a combined air blowing andparticle dispersing mode. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, switches 134 and138 are located within openings 132 and 136, respectively, that areformed in the housing 110 of the blower 100.

Referring to FIG. 5, the housing 110 includes a nozzle portion 150removably coupled thereto. In this embodiment, the nozzle portion 150includes a front surface 152 and openings 154 and 156 that extendthrough the front surface 152. Air exits the blower 100 through opening156 and particles, such as glitter, exits through opening 154. Theparticles from opening 154 are located above the air from opening 156and as a result, becoming entrained in the air flow which results in thedistribution of the particles. The air flow from opening 156 can carrythe particles from opening 154 to a desired location, such as a surfaceon a toy doll.

Referring to FIG. 6, the housing 110 includes several openings 124formed in side portion 122 that allow air to be drawn therethrough fromthe outside of the blower 100 to inside of the housing 110. The quantityand shapes of the openings 124 can vary. The handle 130 includes abattery compartment door 126 that covers a battery component, which isdescribed below.

Referring to FIG. 7, an embodiment of a nozzle portion according to theinvention is illustrated. In this embodiment, the nozzle portion 150includes an inner surface 151 opposite to the outer or front surface 152and the openings 154 and 156 extend between the surfaces 151 and 152.The nozzle portion 150 also includes a wall 153 that defines an interiorregion or receptacle 158. Formed on opposite sides of the wall 153 areledges 162 and 166 with edges 164 and 168, respectively, that extendinwardly from the wall 153. The ledges 162 and 166 engage catches orcoupling members formed on opposite sides of the housing 110 (asdescribed below relative to FIG. 8) to releaseably couple the nozzleportion 150 to the housing 110.

The nozzle portion 150 also includes a locating mechanism 160 thatengages a slot formed on the housing 110 to ensure that the nozzleportion 150 is mounted on the housing 110 in the proper orientation. Inthis embodiment, the locating mechanism 160 is in the form of a platethat extends into the receptacle 158.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the housing 110 is illustrated with thenozzle portion 150 removed. The housing 110 includes an end portion 140that extends forwardly from the main body of the housing 110. The endportion 140 includes an end surface 141 and coupling members located onopposite sides of the end portion 140 (only coupling member 148 isillustrated in FIG. 8). The coupling members are similar in structureand configuration. Each coupling member 148 is a resiliently mounted tabwith a lip 149 proximate to its free end. When the nozzle portion 150 isslid onto the end portion 140, the lips 149 of the coupling membersengage the ledges 162 and 166 and pass over the corresponding edges 164and 168. Once past the edges 164 and 168, the lips 149 engage the ledges162 and 166 to releaseably couple the nozzle portion 150 to the endportion 140.

Referring to FIG. 9, a front view of the end portion 140 of the housing110 is illustrated. The end portion 140 includes openings 142 and 144formed therein which are aligned with openings 154 and 156,respectively, when the nozzle portion 150 is mounted on the end portion140. Opening 142 of the end portion 140 is sized so that the end surface454 of a nozzle 450 is exposed. As described in greater detail below,the nozzle 450 includes an opening 456 through which particles can pass.Opening 144 is sized so that the end surface 222 of a tube or deliverymember 220 is exposed. The end surface 222 defines an opening 224through which air flows from the housing 110.

The end portion 140 includes a slot 145 formed therein that receives theplate or guide 160 of the nozzle portion 150 to ensure that the nozzleportion 150 is mounted on the end portion 140 in its proper orientation.

Referring to FIG. 10, housing portion 112 has been removed so that theinternal components of the blower 100 can be viewed. The blower 100includes a blowing mechanism 200 that has a drive or motor 210 that ispowered by a power source, such as one or more batteries, located in thebattery component 128 in the handle 130. The drive 210 is operablycoupled to a blower mechanism (shown in FIG. 13 and described below) andto a drive or gear mechanism located in drive or gear housing 250. Thegear mechanism is coupled to output member 252, such as an axle, towhich a cam 254 is coupled, as described below.

The blower 100 has two modes of operation. In one mode, corresponding toan air only mode, the drive 210 causes the blower mechanism to operateand air is dispensed through the output tube 220 and out of the blower100 through the opening at end 222. In the other mode, corresponding toan air and particle mode, in addition to the air being blown out fromthe blower 100, particles are also dispensed from the blower 100 by theparticle feeding or particle control mechanism 400, which is activatedby the cam 254. Mechanism 400 can be referred to alternatively as aparticle flow generating mechanism.

When the drive 210 is operating, air is blown out through tube ordelivery member 220 to end 222 along the direction of arrow “A.” Whenthe particle feeding mechanism 400 is activated, by way of the modeswitch, the cam 254 rotates about axle 252 along the direction of arrow“B” and engages an actuator 420 which causes periodic distribution ofparticles, as described below. In this embodiment, when the mode switch138 is moved downwardly along the direction of arrow “C,” an elongatemember or lever 470 rotates about pivot axis defined by connector 471along the direction of arrow “D” and the mode in which air and particlesare dispensed is selected.

Referring to FIG. 11, the elongate member 470 has opposite ends 472 and474. In end 472, an opening 473 is formed for receipt of a projectionfrom a guide member. Along the body of the lever 470 is an opening 475that receives the connector or coupler 471, such as a screw, thatpivotally mounts the lever 470 to the housing 110. A projection 476extends outwardly from a side of the lever 470.

Referring back to FIG. 10, the blower 100 includes a container orparticle supply 300 which has a housing 350 removably inserted into ahopper 310. The hopper 310 is connected at its lower end to a coupler380 that is in communication with a tube 440 that delivers particlesrelative to the housing 110. The tube 440 is held in place betweenseveral guide projections 226, 228, and 230 that are formed on tube 220.The tube 440 has a proximal end 442 and an opposite, distal end 444. Atthe distal end 444 is a nozzle 450 with a ridge 452 that can be capturedin a groove 115 that is formed in housing portion 114. The tubeproximate end 442 is coupled to a bellows structure (described below)that is contracted to provide periodic or intermittent bursts or pulsesof air that pass through the tube 440 from end 442 toward end 444, andthat exit the nozzle 450 along the direction of arrow “A” with particlestherein. In this embodiment, the tube 440 includes a valve 460 thatprevents the particles from being drawn back into the bellows structureas the bellows expands. Also shown in FIG. 10 is a plate 418 that ismounted to housing portion 114 and that provides a cover for theactuator 420.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 12, switch 134 is coupled to a switch portion394 that extends from a switch body 392. In FIG. 12, the switch 138 hasbeen removed from the housing portion 114, thereby revealing a switchbody 490 with a movable switch member 492 that has a position 494corresponding to an operational mode in which both air and glitterparticles are dispersed, another position 496 in which the blower 100 isturned off, and another position 498 corresponding to anotheroperational mode in which only air is dispersed. The difference betweenthe two operational modes is that particles are periodically orintermittently blown from the housing 110 when position 494 is selectedand not when position 498 is selected. When a user presses inward onswitch 134 along the direction of arrow “E” in FIG. 12, the drive 210 isactivated, provided that the blower 100 has been put into either of itsoperational modes described above.

As shown in FIG. 12, switch 138 includes openings 484 and 486 formedtherein. Opening 484 is configured to receive projection 476 on lever470 to move the lever 470 as the switch 138 is moved (see FIG. 10).Opening 486 is configured to receive the switch extension 492 to couplethe switch extension 492 and the switch 138 together.

Referring to FIG. 13, a perspective view of a blower mechanism of theblower 100 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the blower mechanism 255includes a housing 260 with a wall 262 defining a receptacle 264.Mounted to the housing 260 for rotation along the direction of arrow “F”about axis 274 is an impeller 270 with several blades 272. Whenrotating, the impeller 270 pushes air along the direction of arrow “G”through tubular member 220 toward end 222. The tubular member 220 alsoincludes an opening 232 formed therein through which air can be pulledinto the tubular member 220. Also shown in FIG. 13 are the hopper 310with coupler 380, the tube 440, and nozzle 450.

Referring to FIG. 14, some of the components relating to thedistribution of the particles are illustrated. The air pump or bellows410 is operably connected to a port 412 so that when the bellows 410 iscompressed, air is forced from the bellows 410 into the port 412 andinto the tube 440.

As shown, the plate 418 has projections 408 that are inserted intomounting posts 407 with openings to mount the plate 418, which isproximate to actuator 420. The plate 418 includes a pair of walls 419Aand 419B that define an area or cavity 419C therebetween. The area 419Cis sized so that the valve 460 can be inserted and retained therein.

Referring to FIGS. 15-17, the plate 418 has been removed from housing260 so that the actuator 420 and bellows 410 can be viewed. The housing260 includes a pair of plates or side walls 401 and 402 that define achamber 403 therebetween. The chamber 403 has an upper end 404 with agroove 405 that can receive a flange 413 on the port 412 to mount theport 412. In the chamber 403 is a bellows 410 that is coupled to a port412 at its upper end and has an opposite, lower end or surface 414. Theport 412 is coupled to the tube 440, as previously mentioned. Thebellows 410 can be compressed along the direction of arrow “H” andnaturally expands along the direction of arrow “I.” In this embodiment,the bellows 410 is compressed when the actuator 420 engages the lowersurface 414 of the bellows 410 and moves it upwardly along the directionof arrow “H.”

The inner surface of the actuator 420 is illustrated in FIG. 15. Asshown, the actuator 420 includes a plate 422 with side walls 424 and 426that slide along the inner surfaces of the walls 401 and 402 definingthe chamber 403. The plate 422 has a lower end 428 with an engagementportion having a surface 430 that is periodically engaged by the outercam surface 256 of the cam 254 as the cam rotates along the direction ofarrow “J” about axis 257.

The actuator 420 includes a plate 432 that is inserted in the space 416beneath the lower end 414 of the bellows 410. The plate 432 has asurface 434 that engages the lower end 414 of the bellows 410 and movesthe lower end 414 as the actuator 420 is moved by the cam 254, whichrotates relative to the gear housing 250.

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the movement of the actuator 420 isdescribed. Referring to FIG. 16, the actuator 420 is shown in itslowered or non-engaged position 438. In this position 438, the actuator420 moves downwardly along the direction of arrow “K” under the force ofgravity. In an alternative embodiment, a biasing mechanism, such as aspring, can be provided to bias the actuator along the direction ofarrow “K.” In this position, the engagement surface 430 of the actuator420 is not contacted by the cam surface 256 of the cam 254.

This arrangement can represent one of two operational states. First, ifthe switch body 492 is in position 498, the mode of operation is thatonly air is being generated by the blower 100. In this mode, cam 254 isnot driven by the drive 210 and is operably decoupled from the drive210. In one embodiment, a gear can be moved out of engagement with agear train, thereby decoupling the cam 254 from the drive 210. Inanother embodiment, a component other than a gear can be moved so as todecouple the cam 254 from the drive 210.

The other representative state is that if the switch body 492 is inposition 494, the mode of operation is that air and particles are beingblown from the blower 100. In this mode, cam 254 is continuously rotatedabout axis 257 along the direction of arrow “L” and due to the shape ofthe cam surface 256, the cam 254 intermittently engages the engagementsurface 430 of the actuator 420. Thus, the position of the cam 254 inFIG. 16 corresponds to a non-engaging position during the rotation ofthe cam 254.

Referring to FIG. 17, as the cam 254 rotates along the direction ofarrow “M,” the cam surface 256 engages surface 430 on the lower end 428of actuator 420 and moves the actuator 420 along the direction of arrow“N.” As a result, the plate 432 of the actuator 420 moves along the samedirection to position 436 and compresses the bellows 410, therebyforcing air through port 412 and into the tube 440. As the cam 254continues to rotate, the cam surface 256 periodically engages anddisengages the surface 430 of the actuator 420, thereby resulting inperiodic bursts of air into the tube 440.

As the air is forced into the tube 440, the air pushes glitter particlesthat have dropped from the hopper 310 into the portion of the tube 440at the coupler 380. The pushed glitter particles exit opening 154 innozzle portion 150 and are carried further from the blower 100 by theairflow exiting opening 156 in nozzle portion 150.

Referring to FIG. 18, a close-up view of some of the components of thehousing 110 is illustrated. The housing 110 includes a release member170 that is pivotally mounted to the housing 110. The release member 170has an end 172 with an engagement surface 173 that can be contacted by auser by inserting an object through a slot or opening 129 in the housing110 to engage the surface 173. The release member 170 is pivotallymounted by a connector 174, which defines an axis of rotation for therelease member 170. The release member 170 also includes another end 176that is in contact with the housing 350 that is mounted in the hopper310.

When a force is applied to surface 173 of the release member 170 alongthe direction of arrow “P,” the release member 170 pivots along thedirection of arrow “Q” and end 176 of the release member 170 inengagement with a notch formed in the housing 350 moves along thedirection of arrow “R.” As a result, the housing 350 extends a slightdistance above the upper surface of the blower housing 110, therebyfacilitating the grasping of the housing 350 by the user. The housing350 contains the glitter particles for the blower 100. Thus, when thehousing 350 needs to be refilled or replaced, the user can engage therelease member 170 to move the housing 350 to a position thatfacilitates the grasping of the housing 350. The replacement housing 310can be inserted along the direction of arrow “0” into the hopper 310.

As shown, the hopper 310 includes a wall 312 that has an outer surface311 from which projections 322 and 324 extend. The projections 322 and324 can be slid into grooves formed in the housing portions 112 and 114,such as groove 127, which retains the hopper 310 in its desiredposition. The hopper 310 also includes a tapered or angled lower end318.

Referring to FIG. 19, the hopper wall 312 has an inner surface 313 thatdefines a receptacle 314 into which the housing 350 can be inserted. Thehopper 310 has an upper end 316 that includes a notch 336 formed thereinthat allows the engagement end 176 of the release member 170 to engagethe housing 350.

As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the lower end 318 of the hopper 310includes an opening 332 through which glitter particles 500 can exit thehopper 310. The opening 332 is defined by a shoulder 330 that issurrounded by a channel 328 and an inner angled surface 326. Analignment notch 334 is formed along part of the channel 328.

Referring to FIG. 19, the housing 350 has an upper end 352, a lower end354, and a side wall 356 that extends between them. Formed in the sidewall 356 is a notch 358 that can be engaged by an end of the releasemember 170, as described above. The lower end 354 has an angled surface360 that has the same configuration or angle as the surface 326 of thehopper 310. An outlet or port 364 is located at the lower end 354 andincludes a guide or projection 362 proximate thereto. The projection 362is aligned with and engages the slot 334 when the housing 350 isinserted into the hopper 310. The housing 350 has an internal chamber inwhich particles, such as glitter particles, are stored and from whichthe particles are supplied to the hopper 310 and the tube 440.

Referring to FIG. 21, an embodiment of the release member 170 isillustrated. The release member 170 includes a body with opposite ends172 and 176. The engagement surface 173 is illustrated in FIG. 21. Thebody includes a center or mounting portion 177 with an opening 178 thatis used to pivotally mount the release member 170 to housing portion114. The body also includes an opening 179 that receives an end of abiasing member 180. The biasing member 180 has a center portion 181 andtwo end portions 182 and 184 that are different lengths. The centerportion 181 can be positioned into opening 178. End portion 184 isengaged with the housing portion 114 and end portion 182 is engaged withthe release member 170 (see also FIG. 18), which biases the releasemember 170 into engagement with the housing 350.

Referring to FIGS. 22-26, an alternative embodiment of a bloweraccording to the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment,the blower 700 includes a housing 710 that has a handle 712 that can begripped by a user. Many of the features and components of blower 700 aresimilar to blower 100. Located on the handle 712 are an activationswitch 714 and a mode switch 716. The blower 700 includes an air outputtube 720 and a motor or drive 730 that drives a fan to blow air throughthe tube 720. The blower 700 also includes a chamber 740 coupled to end742 for blowing glitter through the tube 750 and out of nozzle 752. Inone alternative embodiment, the chamber 740 can be similar to thebellows for blower 100, as described above. In another embodiment, thechamber 740 can be continuously operable and constantly blowing air andglitter particles.

The blower 700 includes a housing 770 that contains particles, such asglitter particles, and that can be inserted into a hopper 760 that is incommunication with the tube 750. The hopper 760 has a lower end with aport 762 that is in communication with a chamber 764.

The blower 700 includes a metering mechanism 780 that controls the entryor feeding of glitter particles into the chamber 764 and the tube 750.In this embodiment, the metering or particle control mechanism 780includes a valve member or pin 790 with a head 792 at one end and ablocking member 796 at an opposite end (see FIG. 25), which functions asa valve-like structure. The pin 790 can be referred to alternatively asa release member or a control mechanism. The pin 790 is movable relativeto the chamber 764 between a raised position and a lowered position.When the pin 790 is raised, the blocking member 796 is spaced apart froman opening in the chamber 764, thereby allowing glitter particles topass through the opening in the chamber 764 and into the tube 750. Whenthe pin 790 is lowered, the blocking member 796 covers the opening inthe chamber 764 and prevents glitter particles from passing through theopening in the chamber 764.

The metering mechanism 780 includes a lever or actuator 800 that isslidably mounted in the housing 710. The actuator 800 can be referred toalternatively as an elongate member or a reciprocating member. As shownin FIG. 23, the lever 800 includes an upper surface 802 with anengagement portion or projection 804 having a contact surface 806. Thelever 800 is coupled to a cam 820 via a coupler 810. The cam 820 isreciprocated by the drive 730 such that the cam 820 moves back and forthalong the directions of arrows “X” and “Z” in FIG. 22.

Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, when the lever 800 moves along thedirections of arrows “S” and “T,” surface 806 engages surface 794 ofhead 792 and moves the pin 790 along the direction of arrow “U.” Whenthe pin 790 is in its raised position shown in FIG. 24, glitterparticles are fed into the tube 750.

When the cam 820 and the lever 800 are moved along the direction ofarrow “V” in FIG. 24, the pin 790 moves downwardly along the directionof arrow “W” in FIG. 23 when surface 806 disengages from surface 794. Asa result, glitter particles are prevented from exiting the hopper 760and entering the tube 750. Referring back to FIG. 22, the movements ofactuator 800 are illustrated by the arrows “X” and “Z” and thecorresponding movements of the pin 790 are illustrated by the arrows “Y”and “AA.” The movements of the actuator 800 and the pin 790 are alongdirections that are substantially perpendicular to each other.

Referring to FIG. 26, an alternative embodiment of a toy assemblyaccording to the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment,the toy assembly 1000 includes various accessories 1002 and a doll 1010that has hair 1012 with color changing features or characteristics. Thetoy assembly 1000 includes a blower 1020 that generates an air flowtherefrom. The blower 1020 includes a mode switch 1022 and an activationswitch 1024, which can be actuated to change the mode of the blower 1020and to turn on a drive within the blower 1020, respectively.

The blower 1020 has a front end 1026 to which various components orattachments can be coupled to change the functionality of the blower1020. In one implementation, the front end 1026 includes a mountingstructure 1028 to which the components can be attached.

One component 1030 is a cooling component that can be snapped onto thefront end 1026 of the blower 1020. The cooling component 1030 has a body1032 with several projections 1034 extending therefrom. In oneembodiment, the body 1032 is formed of aluminum. The body 1032 of thecooling component 1030 includes an internal chamber or receptacle intowhich a cool or cold liquid and/or solid can be inserted. For example,cold water and/or ice cubes can be inserted into the cooling component1030. When the cooling component 1030 is brought into contact with thedoll's hair 1012, which has thermochromic properties, the color of thedoll's hair 1012 can be changed, such as from its normal color todifferent color or alternatively, from a different color to its normalcolor.

Another component 1040 is a heating or warming component that can besnapped onto the front end 1026 of the blower 1020. The heatingcomponent 1040 has a body 1042 with an outer surface 1044. In oneembodiment, the body 1042 is formed of aluminum. The body 1042 of theheating component 1040 includes an internal chamber or receptacle intowhich a warm or hot liquid can be inserted. For example, warm water canbe inserted into the heating component 1040. When the heating component1040 is brought into contact with the doll's hair 1012, the purple orpink (or other color) color of the doll's hair 1012 can be changed backto its normal color or alternatively, the normal color of the hairchanged to a different color.

Another component 1050 is a particle or glitter component. Glittercomponent 1050 has an end 1052 with an opening 1054 that enables it tobe mounted onto the blower 1020. The glitter component 1050 includes aninternal chamber with glitter particles therein. When air is blown bythe blower 1020 through the glitter component 1050, glitter particlesare dispersed from the blower 1020 in the air flow.

The toy assembly 1000 also includes a bottle 1060 with a comb-likedispensing structure 1062 that can be used to apply gel from the bottle1060 to the hair 1012 of the doll 1010. By applying the gel to thedoll's hair 1012, glitter particles adhere to the doll's hair 1012,thereby enhancing the appearance of the doll 1010.

Referring to FIGS. 27-30, another embodiment of a toy assembly accordingto the invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, the toy assembly1100 includes a blower 1110 with a handle 1120 having a mode switch 1124and an actuation switch 1122 located thereon. The blower 1110 includes afront end to which one of several components can be coupled. In thisembodiment, the toy assembly 1100 includes a cooling component 1200 anda heating component 1300. Forming the front end is a nozzle structure1150 that includes a chamber into which one of the components 1200 and1300 can be inserted. In this embodiment, the nozzle structure 1150 canfunction as the glitter attachment because it contains glitter particlesthat can be dispensed from the blower 1110.

As shown in FIG. 27, the cooling component 1200 includes a body 1210with an internal receptacle or chamber 1212 with an end 1214. The end1214 has an opening into which a cold liquid or solid can be insertedand a lid 1215 that can be screwed onto the body 1210 to seal thereceptacle or chamber 1212. Coupled to an opposite end of the body 1210is a plate or engagement portion 1230 that has several projections 1232(see FIGS. 29 and 30) extending therefrom. The plate 1230 andprojections 1232 can be moved into contact with the hair of a doll tochange the color of the hair, which is thermochromic. The coolingcomponent 1200 can be inserted into the chamber of the nozzle structure1150.

As shown in FIG. 28, the heating component 1300 includes a body 1310with an internal receptacle or chamber 1312 with an end 1314 to which alid 1315 is removably secured, such as by threads. Coupled to theopposite end of the body 1310 is a plate or engagement portion 1330 thatconducts heat from the warm liquid in the chamber 1312 and facilitatesthe application of the heat to the hair of the doll.

In one embodiment, the blower can be used to blow out the hair of a dolland if a gel or other tacky or adhesive substance is applied to thedoll's hair, glitter particles can be applied to the hair. The colorchange mechanism can be used to change the color of the doll's hair byinserting warm or cold liquids into the chamber of the color changemechanism and using it on the doll's hair. In one embodiment, the doll'shair changes from blond to pink and the highlights in the hair fromlight pink to dark pink and purple. The color changes can be reversedusing the color change mechanism as well. The blower can be used to“glitterize” the doll's hair by adding sparkles (glitter particles) tothe hair and to “blow dry” the hair. The gel can be applied toparticular portions of the hair for targeted glitterized areas.

In one embodiment, a toy comprises a housing having a first opening anda second opening spaced apart from the first opening, a blowingmechanism disposed in the housing, the blowing mechanism configured toblow air through the first opening in the housing, a container disposedin the housing, the container holding a plurality of glitter particles,the container being in communication with the second opening in thehousing, a metering mechanism that is operably coupled to the container,the metering mechanism allowing glitter particles to exit the containerwhen the metering mechanism is actuated, a first switch connected to theblowing mechanism and operable by a user to activate the blowingmechanism, and a second switch connected to the metering mechanism andoperable by a user to activate the metering mechanism.

In one embodiment, the metering mechanism includes an elongate memberwith an engagement portion disposed thereon, and a release membermovably mounted relative to the container and engaged with thecontainer, the engagement portion of the elongate member engages therelease member as the elongate member moves in the housing and causesthe release member to move relative to the container, thereby resultingin the discharge of glitter particles from the container.

In an alternative embodiment, the elongate member and the release membermove along lines that are substantially perpendicular to each other.

In an alternative embodiment, the elongate member moves front to backwithin the housing and the release member moves up and down within thehousing.

In an alternative embodiment, the elongate member reciprocates relativeto the housing and the release member is periodically activated.

In one embodiment, the metering mechanism is periodically activatedduring the operation of the blowing mechanism.

In an alternative embodiment, the housing includes a nozzle portioncoupled thereto, the nozzle portion defines the first opening and thesecond opening, and the second opening is disposed proximate to thefirst opening. Also, the blowing mechanism can be a motor-driven blower.

In another embodiment, a toy assembly includes a housing including asource of air disposed in the housing, the air source configured to blowair through an opening in the housing, and a mounting portion, and aplurality of components that can be coupled to the mounting portion, theplurality of components including: a first component that can be coupledto the mounting portion, the first component being engageable with aportion of a doll to change the color of the portion of the doll, asecond component that can be coupled to the mounting portion, the secondcomponent being engageable with the portion of the doll to change thecolor of the portion of the doll, and a third component that can becoupled to the mounting portion, the third component containingparticles that can be dispersed from the housing by the air from the airsource.

In one embodiment, the first component includes a body defining achamber in which a cooling liquid or object can be placed and a lidremovably coupled to the body to seal the chamber.

In addition, the first component includes a metallic plate coupledthereto, the metallic plate being engageable with the portion of thedoll, the metallic plate having a plurality of projections extendingtherefrom.

Alternatively, the second component includes its own body defining achamber in which a warming liquid or object can be placed and a lidremovably coupled to the body of the second component to seal thechamber of the second component.

In addition, the second component includes a metallic plate coupledthereto, the metallic plate being engageable with the portion of thedoll.

In another embodiment, the housing defines a receptacle which isconfigured to receive a portion of the first component when the firstcomponent is coupled to the housing and a portion of the secondcomponent when the second component is coupled to the housing.

In one embodiment, the third component includes a plurality of glitterparticles that are distributed by the air from the air source.

While the invention has been described in detail and with references tospecific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in theart that various changes and modifications can be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope thereof. Thus, it is intended thatthe present invention covers the modifications and variations of thisinvention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims andtheir equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A toy, comprising: a housing; a blowing mechanismdisposed in the housing, the blowing mechanism generating a first flowof air that is discharged from the housing; a container coupled to thehousing, the container holding a plurality of glitter particles; and aparticle dispersing mechanism disposed in the housing, the particledispersing mechanism generating a second flow of air that is dischargedfrom the housing, the second flow of air being periodic bursts of air,the particle dispersing mechanism allowing glitter particles to exit thecontainer into the second flow of air and be intermittently dischargedfrom the housing.
 2. The toy of claim 1, wherein the housing has a firstopening and a second opening separate from the first opening, the firstflow of air from the blowing mechanism exits through the first opening,and the second flow of air containing the glitter particles exit throughthe second opening.
 3. The toy of claim 1, wherein the particledispersing mechanism is coupled to the container, and the particledispersing mechanism controls the intermittent entry of glitterparticles into the second flow of air.
 4. The toy of claim 1, whereinthe particle dispersing mechanism includes a valve member coupled to thecontainer, the valve member controlling the flow of particles from thecontainer, the particle dispersing mechanism includes a reciprocatingmember that intermittently engages and moves the valve member to allowglitter particles to exit the container.
 5. The toy of claim 4, whereinthe reciprocating member is an elongate member that slides relative tothe housing, and the valve member moves substantially perpendicularly tothe elongate member.
 6. The toy of claim 1, wherein the particledispersing mechanism includes a bellows and an actuator, and theactuator is driven intermittently to engage the bellows and create thebursts of the second flow of air.
 7. The toy of claim 6, wherein thehousing includes a drive mechanism having a cam member coupled thereto,and the cam member has a cam surface engageable with the actuator tomove the actuator to engage the bellows.
 8. The toy of claim 7, whereinthe cam member intermittently engages a portion of the actuator as thecam member rotates.
 9. The toy of claim 1, further comprising: anactuating switch operable by a user to activate the blowing mechanismand the particle dispersing mechanism; and a mode switch operable by theuser to select between a first mode of activation of the blowingmechanism alone and a second mode of activation of the blowing mechanismand the particle dispersing mechanism.
 10. The toy of claim 9, whereineach of the blowing mechanism and the particle dispersing mechanism iscontinuously operated in the second mode.
 11. A toy assembly,comprising: a doll; and a glitter and air blower comprising: a housing;an air flow generating mechanism disposed in the housing, the air flowgenerating mechanism generating a first flow of air that is dischargedfrom the housing; a container coupled to the housing, the containerholding a plurality of glitter particles; and a particle flow generatingmechanism disposed in the housing, the particle flow generatingmechanism generating a second flow of air that is discharged from thehousing, the second flow of air including periodic bursts of aircontaining glitter particles, the particle flow generating mechanismincluding a control mechanism that controls the entry of glitterparticles into the second flow of air, the first flow of air carryingthe particles from the second flow of air into engagement with the doll.12. The toy of claim 11, wherein the housing has a first opening and asecond opening above the first opening, the first flow of air exitsthrough the first opening, and the second flow of air exits through thesecond opening.
 13. The toy of claim 11, wherein the particle flowgenerating mechanism includes a bellows and an actuator, and theactuator is driven intermittently to engage the bellows and create thebursts of the second flow of air.
 14. The toy of claim 13, wherein thehousing includes a drive mechanism having a cam member coupled thereto,the cam member has a cam surface engageable with the actuator to movethe actuator to engage the bellows, and the cam member intermittentlyengages a portion of the actuator as the cam member rotates.
 15. The toyof claim 11, further comprising: an actuating switch operable by a userto activate the air flow generating mechanism and the particle flowgenerating mechanism; and a mode switch operable by the user to selectbetween a first mode of activation of the air flow generating mechanismalone and a second mode of activation of the air flow generatingmechanism and the particle flow generating mechanism, wherein each ofthe blowing mechanism and the particle dispersing mechanism iscontinuously operated in the second mode.
 16. A toy assembly for usewith a doll, comprising: a housing including: an air source disposed inthe housing, the air source configured to blow air through an opening inthe housing, and a mounting portion; and a first component removablycoupleable to the mounting portion, the first component being engageablewith a portion of the doll to change the color of the portion of thedoll; and a second component removably coupleable to the mountingportion, the second component containing particles that can be dispersedfrom the housing by the air from the air source.
 17. The toy assembly ofclaim 16, wherein the first component includes a body defining a chamberin which a liquid or object can be placed.
 18. The toy assembly of claim17, wherein the portion of the doll is hair of the doll.
 19. The toyassembly of claim 16, wherein the particles are dispersed through anopening in the second component via the air from the opening in thehousing.
 20. The toy assembly of claim 16, wherein the mounting portionincludes a threaded portion, and each of the first component and thesecond component includes a threaded member that can be used with thethreaded portion to couple the corresponding one of the first componentand the second component to the mounting portion.